Baking fresh bread at Duluth's Best Bread
Duluth’s Best Bread has encountered a significant setback as plans for a new store in Incline Village have been halted due to the Duluth Economic Development Authority terminating its contract with the developer. Co-owner Robert Lillegard expressed disappointment over the lack of communication and unmet promises from the developer. Despite the challenges, the bakery is exploring alternative locations, including a potential fourth site in Hermantown, and remains committed to community engagement and customer experience enhancements.
Duluth has faced a setback for one of its beloved local businesses, Duluth’s Best Bread, as plans to open a new store location in Incline Village have been abruptly halted. The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) has made the decision to terminate its contract with Incline Plaza Development, citing the developer’s failure to meet the terms of their agreement with the city.
Co-owner Robert Lillegard expressed his disappointment and frustration over the situation, highlighting a lack of communication from the developer, Luzy Ostreicher. As uncertainties began to arise regarding the development’s progress, Lillegard indicated that he felt misinformed and unprepared. He had been following up with Ostreicher’s team for updates, yet found their responses unhelpful and dismissive.
According to Lillegard, the financial risks associated with the retail location were significant, and the unfulfilled promises made by Ostreicher only amplified concerns about the viability of the project. Despite the challenges faced, he remains optimistic, noting that the only resource invested in the Incline Village project so far has been time.
DEDA’s decision came after they determined that Incline Plaza Development, under Ostreicher’s management, failed to adhere to critical requirements outlined in their agreement with the city. Lillegard implied that the situation could have been handled better and suggested that Ostreicher consider returning to New York, emphasizing a lack of trust in the information provided by the developer.
In light of this setback, Duluth’s Best Bread is actively exploring alternatives. Lillegard mentioned the possibility of opening a fourth location, potentially in Hermantown, although he acknowledged that the timeline for such developments may stretch to about a year. The bakery has established a strong reputation within the community, characterized by creative marketing efforts including a humorous billboard campaign that playfully states, “Need a lawyer? Don’t call us. We’re just a bakery.”
The business has also garnered attention from celebrity Timothee Chalamet during a recent filming in the area, further boosting its profile. Duluth’s Best Bread is known for its community-centric culture and innovative partnerships, such as a collaboration with Nicolet Law, which not only features playful exchanges on billboards but also solidifies the bakery’s presence in local affairs.
Looking ahead, Lillegard has plans to enhance offerings at existing locations in Duluth and Superior. His focus will remain on enriching customer experiences while continuing to identify potential new venues that could align with the company’s community-driven approach.
In conclusion, while the termination of the Incline Village project serves as a disappointment for Duluth’s Best Bread, the bakery is determined to thrive. With a dedicated customer base and a continued commitment to community engagement, the business is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and seek new opportunities for growth.
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